From symphony, to soul, to stand-up comedy...

From blues to Broadway shows...

DIAL M FOR MURDER (1954) - An ex-tennis pro (Ray Milland) carries out an elaborate plan to have his wealthy philandering wife (Grace Kelly) killed by a former classmate (Anthony Dawson). But then the plot thickens, someone gets killed with a pair of scissors, and a former lover (Robert Cummings) steps in. Clever, intricate plot twists will keep you guessing til the end. Superbly directed by Alfred Hitchcock! [more...]

R. KELLY - He does it all! He's a multi-award-winning R&B and soul singer-songwriter, a rapper, and a record producer. A flair for pop balladry has helped cement his status as one of the biggest-selling male artists of the past two decades. His ongoing "Trapped in the Closet" saga which began in 2005 might be one of the most unusual experiments in pop music of the decade, further testament to Kelly's undeniable talent. Don't miss him LIVE at the Paramount!
[more...]
Recordings by R. Kelly

The Symphony season opens with a sparkling evening of beautiful voices and lively orchestral playing that brings together music from some of the world's grandest, most famous operas, including Verdi's Aida, Puccini'sLa Bohème, and Wagner's Ring Cycle.
[Program...]

THE SWELL SEASON - Glen Hansard (from the Irish band, The Frames) and Marketa Irglova (classically trained Czech pianist and vocalist) make up this songwriting duo with a penchant for breathtaking vocal harmonies and acoustic-based songcraft. Their recent sold-out world tour has been acclaimed by audiences and critics alike.
[more...]
Recordings by The Swell Season

KEB'MO' - This American blues artist has successfully merged traditional Delta blues and modern acoustic singer-songwritership. After years of studio work backing other musicians, the awe-inspiring performances on his own albums and his appearance in Martin Scorsese’s film "The Blues" has ensured his reputation as the foremost virtuoso of the acoustic blues guitar.
[more...]
SOLOMON BURKE - His songs, including such classics as “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love” and “Cry to Me,” have been covered by artists from the Rolling Stones to Tom Petty, from the Blues Brothers to Bruce Springsteen. His unforgettable resonating voice has earned him the title, "King" Solomon Burke!
[more...]
Recordings by Keb'Mo'
Recordings by Solomon Burke

THE LAURIE BERKNER BAND - Playful singing, gleeful dancing and sublime silliness! Laurie Berkner's songs provide irresistible entertainment for children (and their parents). As a former pre-school teacher Laurie Berkner understands the importance of creating music for children that spotlights a variety of textures and musical styles. The Laurie Berkner Band's music videos have appeared on the Noggin TV channel since 2004. Now see Laurie and her band live at the Paramount!
[more...]
Recordings by The Laurie Berkner Band

MORRISSEY - This British singer-songwriter began his career as the lyricist and vocalist of the Smiths and in his solo career has evolved into one of the most influential and innovative artists in pop music today. By turns enigmatic and outspoken, Morrissey has developed a singular talent for arousing controversy through ambiguity - both in his personal life and in his music. What is completely unambiguous is his status as a living icon of modern music. Don't miss this performance!
[more...] [even more...]
Recordings by Morrissey

OAKLAND INTERFAITH GOSPEL CHOIR - The award-winning Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir is a multiracial, interfaith group that regularly performs throughout the Bay Area. Its vocalists, led by Artistic Director Terrance Kelly, perform traditional and contemporary black gospel music and spirituals. The Holiday Season is on its way – and OIGC is getting prepared to offer you a special concert experience. Don’t miss out – come on out to the Paramount on Saturday, December 5th for the 24th Annual Holiday Concert!
[more...]

KFOG's Concert For Kids - The 24th annual Concert features Brandi Carlile and Mat Kearney. Concert attendees are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped book or toy to donate to the Marines' Toys for Tots program. Proceeds from tickets sales benefit The Ronald McDonald House of San Francisco.
[more...]

LET US BREAK BREAD TOGETHER - Celebrate the season with family and friends at this popular multi-chorus extravaganza. Join Michael Morgan and the OEBS, the Oakland Symphony Chorus, the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, the Mt. Eden High School Choir, the Klezmer band Kugelplex for inspiring performances of gospel music, classical selections and other holiday favorites, as well as a few sing-alongs.

WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY (1971) - Roald Dahl’s classic children’s book is brought to the screen in this colourful story of reclusive chocolate maker Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder) who offers five lucky children the chance to tour his mysterious candy factory. Roald Dahl adapted his own book for the screenplay of this timeless family film that will continue to endure as long as people love chocolate. [more...]

C. Carvajal’s NUTCRACKER - Dancers from Oakland Ballet will perform with those from the Peninsula Ballet Company. (Please check back for more details.) [Oakland Ballet web site...] [more......]

DISNEY LIVE! ROCKIN' ROAD SHOW - Get ready to dim the lights and raise the curtain! Mickey Mouse is in the house and he's setting the stage for fun - just for you! But first he'll need to find some amazing acts to put in his show. Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Donald all head off on an adventure and find some great friends to help them out. You'll get to sing along to cool songs, jump out of your seat to dance to the beat and laugh out loud with Buzz and Woody from Toy Story, Cinderella, Tigger, and more of your Disney friends at this show-stopping, zany, on-stage adventure.
[more...]

Tyler Perry's LAUGH TO KEEP FROM CRYING - How does one understand and protect young people? How do you manage to keep a roof over your head when you lose your job? How do you separate true love from a deceiver? Tyler Perry has written another wonderful musical stage play that is sure to bring much needed laughter with a lighter take on today’s issues. It’s what you do when all else fails, “Laugh To Keep From Crying.”
[more...]

NOTES FROM ARMENIA - The exotic rhythms and instrumentation of music from Armenia are represented by works from Mozart's Prague Symphony and Khachaturian's Violin Concerto. Also on the program is Edvard Mirzoyan's exciting Symphony for Timpani and String Orchestra, and Lazar Saryan's Panel Armenia, which was inspired by the paintings of the composer's father, the great Armenian painter Martiros Saryan.
[Program...]

VIEWS OF AMERICA - Journey from the heartland of America to the busy streets of Harlem, with a detour to the islands of the Caribbean added for good measure! Tonight's concert will feature great works by two of the most important composers in American history: Charles Ives and jazz great Duke Ellington.
[Program...]

THE MIGHTY WURLITZER: MUSIC AT THE MOVIES - We're pulling out all the stops for this great event, which will feature the Paramount Theatre's celebrated "Mighty Wurlitzer" pipe organ and one of the greatest - and funniest - silent movies ever made, Buster Keaton's The General. Also on the program: Saint-Saëns' stirring "Organ Symphony" with Cristoph Bull, organ
[Program...]

Soweto Gospel Choir - Celebrate the unique and inspirational power of African Gospel music! The 26-strong choir draws on the best talent from the many churches in and around Soweto, and is dedicated to sharing the joy of faith through music with audiences around the world.
[more...]
Recordings by the Soweto Gospel Choir

MARK KNOPFLER - He's best known as the lead guitarist of the British rock band Dire Straits, which he co-founded in 1977. A guitar hero for three decades (one of Rolling Stone magazine's "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time"), he's also a singer, songwriter, record producer and film score composer. He's won multiple Grammy Awards in both rock and country categories and has sold in excess of 120 million albums to date. In 2001 the Masiakasaurus knopfleri (a species of dinosaur) was named after him.
[more...]
Recordings by Mark Knopfler

MUSICAL VISIONARIES - The virtuosity of the OEBS will really be showcased in this concert! Richard Strauss' Don Quixote, based on Cervantes' novel, dramatically depicts various characters and scenes using different instruments in the orchestra. Also on the program: Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 and the world premiere of a new work by composer Benedikt Brydern.
[Program...]

ODE TO JOY - The 2009/2010 season concludes with one of the greatest masterpieces and most universally inspiring works in the classical repertoire: Beethoven's Ninth Symphony.
[Program...]